99
Extending many a rood:[1]broad dark-hued leaves,
Clothing the bosom of the water clear,
And gently heaving up and down, as though
Her breathing thus disturbed them. 'Midst these, rise
In pure and stately beauty, urn-like forms,
Just 'bove the water's height; some, not unclosed,
Are tinged with tenderest green; while others spread
Full to the warm down-gazing sun their deep,
White, sculptured-like, and softly-glowing cups
Of modelled petals, lit up from within
By one large anthered star of golden flame:
And, leaning on the dark green leaves, they lie,
These lovely, nymph-like Lilies,—looking up
In worship and in love unto the sun,
On whom alone they smile; for when he goes
From his blue mid-day palace over head,
And the trees cast long shadows on the lake,
The loving water-nymphs, no longer joyed
By the bright presence of their radiant god,
Fold their rich snowy robes, and, bending low,
Suffer the waves to sing a lullaby
Over their sleeping heads.
When mornings beam
Looks gaily o'er the earth, the Lilies lift
- ↑ "Lay floating many a rood."—Milton.
